Trail Directory

New Trail Guide and Map!

Pick up your copy of the new Trail Guide & Map at one of the Parks and Recreation offices, or view it on line.

New CoMo Trails App!

Go CoMo Trails App now available for iPhone and Android. Find your current location in relation to Columbia's destination trails. Zoom in to see where restrooms, exercise stations, water fountains, parking lots, and bike repair stations are located. Download your free app from iTunes or Google Play.

Trail Guide Map

Click on image above to view larger image

The Bear Creek Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, and MKT Trail are the premier multi-use trails in Columbia. These 10-ft. wide trails with crushed limestone surfaces are good for walking, jogging, and biking.

County House Trail and the South Providence Trail were added to the trail system in 2011. The Hominy Creek Trail (Phase I) and Scott's Branch Trail were added in 2013. These trails are constructed out of concrete to reduce maintenance costs and provide consistent trail conditions. County House, South Providence, and Hominy Creek Trails have an alternative gravel side path along portions of the concrete trail.

Below is a directory of the major trails in the park system, along with the neighborhood, community, and regional park trails. Click on the links below for more information on individual trails.

Trail Directory

Destination (Major) Trails

Below are Columbia's destination trails designed for commuting, as well as for fitness and recreation. Each trail generally has several access points. Various trailheads provide parking and restrooms.

Major Trail Connectors

There are many connections that link neighborhoods to Columbia's major destination trails. However, some of the larger connector trails provide an enjoyable trail journey within themselves. Below are major trail connectors that trail users may enjoy exploring in addition to the premiere destination trails listed above.

Trails in Community Parks, Regional Parks, and Nature Areas

Community parks are typically 15-100 acres, with a service area generally up to three miles. Regional parks are normally 200 or more acres, with a service area extending to five or more miles. Many of these parks provide parking and/or restrooms. Trails are usually just one of many recreation choices in these larger parks. Nature areas usually feature trails to explore and enjoy the natural, preserved green spaces.

Neighborhood Park Trails

Neighborhood parks are typically 5-10 acres and are designed to be within walking distance of surrounding neighborhoods. They typically do not include parking or restrooms. Neighborhood park trails provide opportunity for park users to get exercise near home, while tracking the distance covered.

Capital Improvement Projects

Please note that not all trail capital improvement projects are administrated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Some trail projects are funded by the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program and administrated by GetAbout Columbia. If you do not find an upcoming trail project listed below, information may be found on the GetAbout Columbia website.

Trails Plan

The Trails Plan is an important part of the overallParks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, which was completed and adopted in 2013. It is key to achieving the overall goal of having a trail system that serves recreational to nonmotorized travelers and connects citizens with parks, neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. It sets the priorities for future trail acquisition and development and prompts City officials to have developers set aside trail easements when their development plans go through the City approval process.

"The 2013 Trails Plan proposes an approximately 30 mile long trail loop around Columbia, consisting of the MKT Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, Bear Creek Trail, and the proposed Perche Creek Trail. In addition, the plan includes multiple connecting trails that link back to this main loop so that the trail system can be accessible to the majority of Columbia residents and resolves many of the current underserved areas.

Links to the 2013 Trails Plan and a plan that highlights the 30-mile trail loop (which is part of the 2013 Trails Plan) are below.